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Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Yoshiwara, hidari Fuji, “Yoshiwara, Mount Fuji on the left.” Number 14 from the famous Tokaido gojusan tsugi no uchi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.” Published by Hoeido, c. 1833-4. Hiroshige travelled the length of the Tokaido as part of an official delegation in 1832 making sketches along the way. On his return he started work on the set eventually producing 55 prints. The first of the designs were published jointly by Hoeido and Senkakudo, but then Hoeido took over the production. After being destroyed by a tidal wave in 1680 Yoshiwara was rebuilt further inland from the sea. This is the rare first edition.
Fine impression. Slight fading of seals, slight centre fold and minimal soil to left edge, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Miya, Atsuta shinji, “Miya, Festival of the Atsuta Shrine.” Number 41 from the famous Tokaido gojusan tsugi no uchi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.” Published by Hoeido, c. 1833-4. Hiroshige travelled the length of the Tokaido as part of an official delegation in 1832 making sketches along the way. On his return he started work on the set eventually producing 55 prints. The first of the designs were published jointly by Hoeido and Senkakudo, but then Hoeido took over the production. Miya was the largest station on the Tokaido. There were many inns catering for the pilgrims going to Ise and daimyo travelling to Edo. Shows the horse-driving festival held at the Shinto Atsuta Shrine, the Hama Gateway to the right. This is the rare first edition.
Fine impression. Slight fading of seals, slight centre fold and minimal soil to left edge, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Mii no bansho, “Evening Bell at Miidera Temple” from an early set Omi hakkei no uchi, “Eight Views in Omi Province.” Shows the temple hidden amongst hills on the southern side of Lake Biwa. Miidera is the common name for the Onjoji, a temple of the Tendai sect, founded in 858. Published by Hoeido and Eikyudo in c. 1834-5. The “Eight Views” theme was derived (as so much else in Japanese art) from China and based on the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang paintings of the 11th century. The subject was transposed to Omi and then taken up by such artists as Harunobu , and later Hiroshige. It was also often playfully alluded to in sets of eight prints in mitate-e style.
Fine early impression and colour. Imperceptible centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)
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Sesshu Nunobiki no taki, “The Nunobiki Waterfall in Settsu Province,” from a set Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “One Hundred Famous Views in the Various Provinces.” The set published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859 and 1861 (this being 1859). He was the pupil of Hiroshige, given the name Shigenobu. After Hiroshige’s death he married his adopted daughter and became Hiroshige II. The couple were divorced in 1865. She went on to marry another pupil of her father’s – Shigemasa, who became Hiroshige III.
Superb impression and colour with extensive mica and woodgrain. Fine condition. Signed “The second” Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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Totomi sanchu, “In the Totomi Mountains” from Hokusai’s most famous set Fugaku sanju-rokkei, “Thirty-six Views of Fuji.” The set published by Nishimuraya Yohachi c. 1830-33. Originally planned as a set of 36 prints, ten more designs were added. These are called the Ura-Fuji, “Fuji from the Other Side.” These designs have a black outline, while early impressions of the first 36 are printed with a blue outline changing to black on later editions. Shows lumbermen cutting a huge log while another, lower left, sharpens a saw watched by a woman with a child strapped to her back. This set was a considerable undertaking for the publisher, especially as the relatively new pigment berurin burau, “Berlin blue” was being used which was expensive.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Very full size. Signed Saki no Hokusai Iitsu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Nichiren praying for rain from the set Koso goichidai ryakuza, “Illustrated Abridged Biography of the Founder.” The set published by Iseya Rihei, c. 1835. The event is supposed to have taken place at the Reizan Promontory, Kamakura in 1271. Bunei hachi Kamakura Reizangasake uki. Nichiren was the founder of the Buddhist Nichiren sect of which Kuniyoshi was a follower. This is the very rare first edition without the break in the black border on the left near the small boat. Another first edition impression is in the Baur Collection, Geneva. See Matthi Forrer, 1994, G366. Most impressions show the break. For example: Kuniyoshi, Juzo Suzuki, 1992, no. 179. There are also variant later impressions with differences in the gradation of the sea and the promontory.
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Imperceptible centre fold and trimming at top, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
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Oeyama Shuten doji. Shows Minamoto no Raiko and his four retainers, from left to right: Sakata no Kintoki, Usui no Sadamitsu, Watanabe no Tsuna and Urabe no Suyetake on Oyeyama, “Devil’s Mountain.” In the year 995 the Emperor commanded Raiko to kill the beast who had been kidnapping and eating young maidens around Kyoto. They accomplished this by dressing as priests and getting Shuten-doji incapacitated with alcohol. Raiko has just decapitated the giant head of the demon which then descends on his helmet which saves him. Published 1855 by Kiya Sojiro . A fine design.
Fine impression and colour. Expert edge repair at top right edge of first sheet, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Nise Murasaki inaka Genji, “An Imposter Murasaki and a Rustic Genji.” A triptych based on an involved story written by Ryutei Tanehiko in 1829 and based on the classic 11th century Tale of Genji. Shows Prince Genji with his lover Tasogare at an old temple. A demon appears pretending to be Genji’s wife Futaba, but in reality is Tasogare’s mother, Shinonome. Genji, discovering her true identity, reveals that his affair with her daughter is only in order to regain the family sword. Tasogare and her mother commit suicide due to the great shame. Published by Akiyama Buemon in 1884.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi sha.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A surimono from a series: Fuzoku onna Suikoden hyakuhachiban no uchi, “Modern Women as the One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Suikoden.” Shows a beauty leaning on a fulling block beside a stream. She gazes at a flowering cherry tree with a village in the distance beneath a full moon. Each design is based on one of the characters from the Suikoden; in this case Shinkigunshi Shubu (Zhu Wu), the “Resourceful Strategist.” The series was inspired by a new translation of the 12th century Chinese novel Shui huchuan, “All Men are Brothers” which relates the deeds of a group of outlaws. Commissioned by the Hisakatayaren Club for the New Dragon Year 1832. Surimono were usually issued by these poetry clubs or for specific occasions, although individuals also commissioned them. They could employ every artifice available to the printers and engravers: metal powders, mica, blind-printing and burnishing, and were printed on the best, thick hosho. They were not issued in large numbers as conventional Ukiyo-e and are usually of a smaller format. Presumably ambitiously planned as 108 prints but never completed. Rare.
Very fine impression and colour with silver and gold. Slightly trimmed top and bottom, otherwise very god condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga with the red seal of the printer Suriko Shinzo (which is removed on some impressions).
Status: Sold
Ryuryukyo SHINSAI (1764[?]-1823)
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An early pupil of Hokusai who is best known for his fine surimono, but also produced a series of semi-western style landscapes and some paintings. A still life showing a group of pouches, one revealing a lacquered surface with a stylised dragon. Dragon year was 1808 and 1820. Extremely rare. Ex Beres collection, seal au verso.
Fine impression with extensive silver and burnishing. Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Shinsai.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNINAO (1793-1854)
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An original painting showing a sumptuously attired parading courtesan. Kuninao was a pupil of Toyokuni, then a follower of Hokusai. Above is a lengthy inscription on the Yoshiwara by Shikitei Sanba ( 1776-1822 ). Together with Santo Kyoden, a professional writer of gesaku fiction. Famous for one of the best known works of the late Edo period; Ukiyoburo or “Bathhouse of the Floating World” ( 1809 ). Full colour on silk, 33.25 x 12.25 in; 84.5 x 31 cms. Slight browning, otherwise good condition. Old mount in good condition. Painting signed Utagawa Kuninao with Utagawa seal. Inscription signed and sealed Shikitei Sanba with date Bunka 9 ( 1812 ).
Status: Sold
Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
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A surimono showing an unidentified fish – possibly a flying fish and carnations. An apparently unrecorded surimono. A pupil of Hokusai, Hokkei’s oeuvre was almost entirely in this genre, apart from illustrating ehon.
Very good impression and colour. Slight crease, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hokkei.
Status: Sold
Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
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An uncut large surimono with the poems attached showing a rustic bridge in a country setting. Geese flying above. Published c 1810s. Provenance: Ex Samuel Tuke collection, seal centre left. Tuke was a member of the Japan Society of London and many of his prints went to the British Museum, while others were sold at Sothebys in 1911. Rare.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Totoya Hokkei ga.
Status: Sold
Chokotei TOSHIMASA (Active c 1810s)
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A long surimono for a Horse year (probably 1810). Shows the Five Festivals, Gosekku no uchi, which are: Matsu-no-uchi, New Year; Hinamatsuri, Girls’ Day, or Doll Festival; Tango-no-sekku, Boys’ Day; Tanabata, Star Festival; Choyo-no-sekku, Chrysanthemum Festival.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Chokotei Toshimasa hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI II (1777-1835)
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A surimono showing a bust portrait of the actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Kanawa no Goro, a retainer of Kamatari no Fujiwara, disguised as the fisherman Fukashichi from the Mikasayama Goten scene in Act 4 of Imoseyama onna teikino. Three poems by Shoshokyo Otokado, Sakuragawa Jihinari, and Sakuragawa Omokage. Issued c mid-1820s. Provenance: originally purchased from me in 1977 (see my catalogue 20, 1977, no. 38). Unidentified collector’s seal au verso. Rare.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
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A triptych showing the defeated generals Shin Chunagon Taira no Tomomori and Sagami Goro Tokiuji of the Taira Clan, having committed suicide, at the bottom of the sea near Yashima Dan-no-Ura in 1185. The Taira were defeated by the Minamoto led by Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Tomomori facilitated his drowning by tying a giant anchor to himself. A large dragon coils around them representing the royal household. Yoshitsuya designed another triptych version of this scene but this interpretation is by far the rarer. Published by Kagaya Kichibei, 1861.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIKAZU (Active c. 1850-1870)
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A triptych showing The Four Heavenly Kings, loyal retainers of Kiso Yoshinaka (1154-1184) killing a giant snake. Yoshinaka no Shitenno Kiso okuyama ni kore o taiji su. Yoshinaka was a general of the Minamoto Clan. Published by Amatsu, 1851-2.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Sheets attached, otherwise very good condition. Signed Isshunsai Yoshikazu ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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Winter from a set of the four seasons showing Prince Genji and attendants in the snow-covered grounds of a palace. Published by Enshuya Hikobei, c 1849-50.
Fine impression and colour. Slight trimming, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych Buzen no kuni oki manaita ga se, “The Chopping Block Shoals off the Coast of Buzen Province.” Shows the pilot and nobleman Yoshibei leaping to a rock and sacrificing himself to save his ship which was travelling to the capital from Kyushu when it was caught in a violent storm. Published c. 1850 by Mikawaya Tetsugoro. A wonderful and rare triptych.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
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A surimono in the form of an ema (literally “picture-horse”) which were votive tablets left at Shinto shrines. The upper right plaque shows an actor in Shibaraku role with characters reading ganshu (temple petitioner) Bunri. Below, ten poems by poets from Edo, Kyoto and Osaka. The poem below the actor is signed Shikan which was the stage name and literary name of Nakamura Shikan I (Utaemon III, 1778-1838) who is most likely the actor portrayed. The text on the top left panel begins with San kudari indicating the 3rd came back, suggesting a return by Utaemon to Edo from acting in Kyoto or Osaka. Issued c 1810s. Very rare.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The ghost of Hayano Kampei Tsuneyo lunging forward with his spear. From the set Seichu gishi den, “Biographies of Loyal and Righteous Samurai” in other words, The forty-Seven Ronin. Published by Ebiya Rinnosuke, c 1847-8. Robinson S53.47.
Very good impression, colour and condition. This design is beautifully printed, the blue and sumi graded off to indicate the ghostly status of Tsuneyo. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Oiso no Maihime telling the Soga brothers the whereabouts of Suketsune. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered by his cousin Kudo Suketsune. Sukeyasu left two sons and his widow remarried a man named Soga. He adopted the two children and they waited patiently for an opportunity to kill Suketsune which came when he was hunting near Mt Fuji. They killed him but were themselves slain in the ensuing battle. This is the first edition, it was republished in 1858 by Yamaguchiya Tobei.
Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kewaizaka no Shosho cuts her hair to become a nun. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered by his cousin Kudo Suketsune. Sukeyasu left two sons and his widow remarried a man named Soga. He adopted the two children and they waited patiently for an opportunity to kill Suketsune which came when he was hunting near Mt Fuji. They killed him but were themselves slain in the ensuing battle. This is the first edition, it was republished in 1858 by Yamaguchiya Tobei.
Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Soga no Juro on a horse lower left bids farewell to his lover, Tora Gozen. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered by his cousin Kudo Suketsune. Sukeyasu left two sons and his widow remarried a man named Soga. He adopted the two children and they waited patiently for an opportunity to kill Suketsune which came when he was hunting near Mt Fuji. They killed him but were themselves slain in the ensuing battle. This is the first edition. It was republished in 1858 by Yamaguchiya Tobei.
Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Soga no Juro and Soga no Goro attack Suketsune in the snow. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered by his cousin Kudo Suketsune. Sukeyasu left two sons and his widow remarried a man named Soga. He adopted the two children and they waited patiently for an opportunity to kill Suketsune which came when he was hunting near Mt Fuji. They killed him but were themselves slain in the ensuing battle. This is the first edition , it was republished in 1858 by Yamaguchiya Tobei.
Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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The Soga brothers bidding farewell to the summer foliage. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered by his cousin Kudo Suketsune. Sukeyasu left two sons and his widow remarried a man named Soga. He adopted the two children and they waited patiently for an opportunity to kill Suketsune which came when he was hunting near Mt Fuji. They killed him but were themselves slain in the ensuing battle. This is the first edition, it was republished in 1858 by Yamaguchiya Tobei.
Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
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A fine design showing the outlaw Yasusuke Hakamadare surrounded by a giant snake amidst falling leaves. He was able to disguise himself using the skins of animals and this translated into the notion that he could transform himself into these creatures or conjure them up as in the case of the battle between Raiko and Hakamadare where he invocates a giant snake. (The subject of another triptych design by Yoshitsuya.) From a rare set: Dai Nihon jutsu zukushi, “An Assortment of Magic in Great Japan.” This talented pupil of Kuniyoshi had a penchant for snakes, and produced some striking prints. Published 1861.
Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. Full size with extra paper around. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858) and Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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A triptych showing Mitsuuji, the romantic hero of the Inaka Genji (“A Rustic Genji”) accompanied by a beauty looking out across a snow-covered garden where a group of girls are building a giant snow rabbit. Hiroshige and Kunisada collaborated on a number of these Genji triptychs in the 1850s and this is one of the most charming. Published by Moriya Jihei of Kinshodo, 12/1854 (and therefore probably in anticipation of the following year, which was a Year of the Rabbit).
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga and Yuki no kei oju, “Snow landscape by request” Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Tadasugawara no yudachi, “Evening Shower on the bank of the Tadasu River” from the early set Kyoto meisho no uchi, “Famous Views of Kyoto.” The set of ten masterpieces was published by Eisendo, c 1834. Shows figures running in the rain to get to the tea-houses which lined the banks here where the Kamo River and Takamo River joined.
Very good impression. The extremely rare first state of this print has the publisher’s seal in red in the upper left margin. This early state has the kiwame seal in left margin. This was removed on later editions and the seal after Hiroshige’s signature has the characters reversed white on red. Very good colour. Imperceptible centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIKAZU (Fl. 1850-1870)
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The battle in snow at the Go-ju-no Pagoda on Mt. Yoshino. Sato Shirobyoe Tadanobu, a follower of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, swiches armour with Yoshitsune to do battle with the warrior monks led by Yokogawa Kakuhan. Published 1858 by Maruya Jinpachi.
Extremely fine impression with extensive splashed and sprayed gofun. Fine impression and condition. Signed Ichijusai Yoshikazu ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIKAZU (Fl. 1850-1870)
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A triptych showing the battle of Shijo Nawate at Yoshino, Nara. Shows Kusunoki Masatsura of the Southern army in the centre amidst a hail of arrows battling the Northern armies in 1348. He was killed in this fight at the age of 22. Published by Sanoya Tomigoro, 1862.
Very good impression and colour. Very slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichikawa Yoshikazu ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A triptych entitled Autumn Moon. A famous subject showing the aristocrat Fujiwara no Yasumasa playing his flute on a lonely moor and the bandit Hakamadare Yasusuke creeping up on him. So entranced was Hakamadare by the music that all he could do was to follow Yasumasa home. This is a version of a design published in 1868 with partially new blocks and an uncluttered background. It is regarded as a new design. Published by Katada Chojiro, 1884.
Fine impression and colour. Slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Soshiko Raio (Chinese: Lei Heng) gripping the throat of Lady Hakushuyei and about to strike her. A design from the fine set Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyaku-hachi-nin no hitori, “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden, One by One.” Based on the Chinese novel Shui Hu Zhuan, attributed to Shi’Nai’an, which tells of a band of 108 brigands who operated from Liangshan Marsh. Published by Kagaya Kichiyemon, 1827-30. Robinson S2.67.
Fine impression and colour. Full size (unusual as these prints are overlarge obans and usually trimmed down to the common denominator in albums). Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The priest Mongaku Shonin doing thirty-seven days penance under the freezing Nachi waterfall near Kyoto. He is helped by Fudo Myo-o’s two attendants Seitaka and Kongara seen here top right. This act of self-mortification is because he accidentally killed his beloved cousin Kesa. Published by Uoya Eikichi, 1860. A fine design.
Superb impression of the first state with splashed gofun over Mongaku’s head. Fine colour. Lightly backed and imperceptible centrefold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Chooro Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Yamauba and Kintoki from a set of thirteen prints Ikkai zuihitsu, “A Miscellany by Ikkai,” this being an early name of Yoshitoshi’s. A strange print in more ways than one: Not only is this his most “Westernized” design, but the impression is a puzzle. There is a thought that the design is based on Raphael’s Santa Familia but it could as easily be a Botticelli. Certainly it looks to be after Madonna and child images he has seen. Also, this set has numerous variations in seals. Basically, it seems those with red or black seals in the margin are the earliest. However, this is a fine impression and has no seals. Published by Masadaya Heikichi, 1872.
Fine impression and colour (with Kintoki a deeper red than on other impressions). Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
An extremely rare and unusual e-goyomi surimono for the year of the Horse, 1822, the long and short months running along the top of the theatre curtain. The surimono shows the Ichimura Theatre in Edo. The theatre curtain over the stage is a flap that hinges up to reveal the actors within. The characters on the curtain in pink and gold read: Shinjo hiiki renchu, “An offering from the [associated] patronage clubs.” (In fact, three fan clubs plus a daimyo, Mori Narimoto, whose poem top left is signed with his art name Ryuotei Edo No Hananari.) The three actors revealed are, from left to right, Seki Sanjuro II, Onoe Kikugoro V, and Ichikawa Danjuro VII in the play Three Famed Warriors Crossing Paths. However, they are not shown in character but dressed casually. Their emblems appear on the curtain: the waterfall-ascending carp for Danjuro; the chrysanthemum for Kikugoro; and the crosshatch for Sanjuro. Another impression is illustrated in The Private World Of Surimono, Sadako Ohki and Adam Haliburton, Yale University Press, 2020, no 59, p. 213. An impression missing the flap is illustrated in Surimono: Prints By Elbow, Edythe Polster and Alfred H. Marks, Lovejoy Press, 1980, F-D 1933-4-898, p. 441 and 437. Provenance: Ex H. Beres collection, sold Sothebys, Paris, 27/11/2002, lot 85. Seal on reverse.
Very good impression and colour with gold and silver. Very good condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
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A surimono showing three overlapping fans. The top fan shows the first sunrise of the new year behind a shachi on a castle roof. Usually called dolphins, they in fact had the head of a tiger and body of a carp. The second shows a court lady and attendant collecting young pines on the first day of the year. The third shows an imperial ox cart. Possibly for the Ox year 1829. Another impression was in the Adolphe Stoclet sale, Sothebys 8th June 2004, lot 463, p. 242. Poems by Shinshukei, Shigekado and Shinratei Manzo (leader of the Manjiren club).
Very fine impression and colour with gold and silver. Fine condition. Signed Hokkei.
Status: Sold
Yashima GAKUTEI (1786-1868)
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A surimono – one of a series that Gakutei designed in the curved shape of a folding fan. Shows a seated poet before Mt. Fuji holding a fan and dressed in courtly robes with a New Year pattern of pine trees and an eboshi cap. Two others from the set are illustrated in The Art of Surimono, Roger Keyes, Sothebys, 1985, pl. 47, p. 89; and Sammeln Magazin, Nr. 6, Juni 1985, p.15. Issued c. 1821. Provenance: Ex Toni Strauss Negbaur collection, seal au verso.
Fine impression with Mount Fuji blind-printed. Very good colour and condition. Signed Gakutei.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kai Otsuki no hara, “The Otsuki Plain in Kai Province”. A meandering stream with flowers and pampas grass from Fuji sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of Fuji” published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1858. The set was started 5 months before Hiroshige’s death and early impressions were printed very carefully as a tribute to Hiroshige. One of the six best designs from the set.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Ishiyama no shugetsu, “Autumn Moon at Ishiyama” from a set of prints Omi hakkei no uchi, “Eight Views in Omi Province.” Shows Lake Biwa with Seta Bridge and Mount Hira in the distance. To the left is the temple where Murasaki Shikibu wrote her famous Tales of Genji. Published by Takenouchi, c. 1834-5. A guarantee label and seal au verso from the now deceased dealer M. Nakazawa.
Fine impression: There is a curious feature on this print in that the blue sky block is invariably printed short of the mountain, top left, giving a white gap around the mountain. This is one of the few impressions I have seen where it is barely visible. Fine colour. Slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold